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Buffalo Sabres: 3 forwards Arttu Ruotsalainen can supplant

By Sion Fawkes

May 8, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Arttu Ruotsalainen (25) moves the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Jake Guentzel (59) during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Arttu Ruotsalainen (25) moves the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Jake Guentzel (59) during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres prospect Arttu Ruotsalainen’s future remains up in the air, but he was quoted saying he wanted to remain with the organization

Per Pro Hockey Rumors, Arttu Ruotsalainen told The Buffalo News’ Mike Harrington that he intends to re-sign with the Buffalo Sabres. Before Ruotsalainen’s comments, the rumor was that he was going to leave the organization and continue his career in Switzerland. However, the Rochester Americans standout forward denied these rumors, saying:

"“I would like to be a part of the Buffalo Sabres. And that’s my No. 1 goal,” – per The Buffalo News."

Further, Amerks general manager Jason Karmanos backed up Ruotsalainen’s statements, confirming he would love to see the forward back in Western New York, either with the Amerks or with the Sabres, saying:

"“I think by the end of the year, it was very clear that he had taken a step. We absolutely want him back in the organization.” – per The Buffalo News."

Ruotsalainen enjoyed an outstanding season in Rochester. In a combined 67 games, he scored 63 points, including 26 goals. So if he remains with the Sabres organization and earns a spot on the main roster in training camp, odds are, he can and probably will supplant a couple of key contributors from last season. Here are three names.

Buffalo Sabres
BUFFALO, NY – APRIL 9: Casey Mittelstadt #37 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the second period at KeyBank Center on April 9, 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

Forward #1: Casey Mittelstadt

A former first round pick, Casey Mittelstadt is quickly running out of chances. Injuries and inconsistency have been a bane to the star-crossed forward’s career, and 41 points in his last 81 games hasn’t helped his cause.

It is not that Mittelstadt is a bad player. He showed flashes plenty of times throughout his career, including a phenomenal training camp last August. Unfortunately, injuries again took their toll, further stunting his development.

Assuming Ruotsalainen re-signs, whether he starts the season in Buffalo or Rochester is irrelevant. If Mittelstadt gets hurt or fails to produce early, Ruotsalainen is a shoo-in to get the first recall and ultimately supplant Mittelstadt.

And given his own 35 games of NHL experience (10 points), he has a chance to take the job and refuse to give it back. If this occurs, expect Ruotsalainen to snag a permanent spot in Buffalo while Mittelstadt eventually leaves town.

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